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INTERVIEW

CHECK-INS

CHECK OUT

INTERVIEW

ALBUM REVIEW

ALBUM REVIEW

ALBUM REVIEW

ALBUM REVIEW

ALBUM REVIEW

ALBUM REVIEW

CLOSING

WITH

WITH

SOME

WITH

WILD
THINGS

ALUMNI

NEW MUSIC

OF

OF

OF

OF

OF

OF

STATEMENT

ARIA

CRASHFUSE

BY ALYSSA

BY COLTON

BY MIKE THOMAS

YESTERDAY
VS.
TOMORROW

TOUGH
OLD BIRD

PHILLIPS

JACOB
PETER

ELLSWORTH

BY JESSE

WITH LIFE
COMES
DEATH

BY PATRICK

KAUFMAN

KAUFMAN

BY ALYSSA

BY CORY COLEMAN

KRZANOWICZ

BY MICHAEL
LUCCARI

BY JESSE
KAUFMAN

JAOUEN

BY JESSE

PHILLIPS

WILD THINGS
DAVID BRUCE
bass

NICHOLAS WILLIAM
vocals, synth, guitar

JEFF LAURICELLA
guitar

Wild Things is an indie-pop band

because they cant get enough

from Buffalo, NY, comprised of

people to spend to see their band.

former members of the Breathing

Not gonna lie, selling tickets is a

Tree and the Odd Times. Their debut

hassle. Cheaper stuff makes it a

single Little Ships has been

lot easier. More expensive tickets

quickly garnering attention across

are obviously harder to sell, but

the WNY scene, landing them an

bands obviously get more of a cut

opening slot with Frank Iero on

when it comes to that. The dollar

February 21 at the Studio/Waiting

shows, bands dont really get any

Room, and a future show in

money even when theyre sold

Alternative Buffalos You Saw

out. But Id rather just play all of

Them First $1.07 series. I recently

those and not get any money

and

than try to get all these people to

Nicholas William to discuss their

come. Its almost impossible to

debut single, influences, and local

sell 50 tickets on a $12 show

talked

with

David

Bruce

because there are so many other

music ticket prices.

graphic design
ampddesigns.com
facebook.com/ampddesigns
alphillips92@gmail.com

JEFF CRAWFORD
drums

things you can do with $12.

What inspired the music of Little

So those 107 shows are definitely

Ships, lyrically and thematically?

an interesting solution.

The song started based off of a

Also, when you get your 50 tickets

guitar riff, this little thing that

and you think about your friends

was stuck in my head, and we

wrote around that. Thematically,
its about straying from the path
and not following the rules.
Being individual.
So, what kind of music do you
guys listen to? What are your
favorite records?
We all listen to a lot of the Killers.
And more of newer stuff thats
out now. We listen to 107.7 a lot.
I definitely hear a lot of that in
your music, especially the synth
and guitar mixes and the altindie-pop crossover.
I think we approached it with
writing pop songs that are, you
know, catchy. We wanted to mix it
with a heavier rock sound. Hopefully youll feel it at a live show.
Do you have a plan to record an
EP, an album, more singles?

Were preparing for our first show,

passionate about it, especially this

and thats taking precedence over

project, I think we could really take

studio time right now, especially

it as far as it goes.

because were really happy with

Do you have any plans for more

the way Little Ships turned out

shows after the 21st?

and the way people responded to

Localized Buffalo brings in local

it. We wanted to give people

bands to play acoustic shows. We

something to hang onto while

have that lined up in March. Weve

were still working some more.

been talking to 107 about doing

But I think after this show our goal

one of those dollar shows at the

will be probably a song a month.

Waiting Room. Those are awesome

Get into the studio and just keep

because anyone can go. Its a really

releasing them.

good way to hang out with people.

For you is this more of a hobby, or

After February and March, well

do you really want to take this

be focusing more on going to the

thing as far as you can?

studio and recording.

Definitely a bit of everything. I think

Speaking of the dollar shows, how

if it was ever not fun I wouldnt be

do you feel about $10 local shows

able to think about it more

and how most local shows are

seriously. But since were having so

costing as of the last couple years?

much fun with it, and were really

A lot of people are discontent

and family that have to go, at

some point it becomes the same
people. Its easier to sell a onedollar ticket to those people.
Definitely excited to hear whats
coming. If Little Ships is any
indication, its probably going to
be pretty big. I see a hit, in my
humble opinion.
Thank you very much.

DONT MISS WILD THINGS AND

FRANK IERO FEBRAURY 21ST AT
THE STUDIO ABOVE THE WAITING
ROOM, AND BE SURE TO CHECK
OUT LITTLE SHIPS.

www.facebook.com/BecomeWild
Photograph by Ryan Orzechowski

77

As I constantly discovered incredibly talented local bands and artists that were
not receiving the attention they deserved, I wanted to help bring them into the
light. I began 716 LOCAL MUSIC with a desire to explore Buffalos music scene and
encourage its members to do the same. I reached out to two friends for the first
issue in October of 2012 and did not expect the feedback it rendered.

OCTOBER 2012

SWEET APOLLO OCTOBER 2012

We are very sorry to announce that Sweet Apollo is
disbanding indefinitely. For the past few years, our fans
have allowed us to produce several records and perform
many times throughout Western New York. We truly do
not have the words to tell you how thankful we are to have
shared those experiences. We will carry the memories
with us for the rest of our lives. Our academic pursuits
and varying interests have been our undoing; however,
we are all still very close friends and by no means is this
a bitter departure. Jong and Dom will continue their own
project and we hope they will have material within the
year. Joe will continue as the bassist for the Gentlemans
Quarrel, and Will will pursue his degree and medical
school. Prior to disbanding, we were in the studio working
on one of our best compilations to date. It is our hope that
within the year we will complete those songs and release
them for free download. Again, thank you everyone who
gave us a chance. Its been one hell of a ride and weve
cherished every moment.

THE CASCOS OCTOBER 2012

The Cascos are going to keep themselves as a summer
band from now on. No new material (at the moment) but
Garage on Martha lives on as a nice lil statement. Right
now LIPS Records is [my] focus with a number of local
releases in the works. The label is starting to dub
cassettes and do some merch as well. Its [taking off]
with a Local Onlys debut album writtendemod up and
on the waya brand spankin new release coming from
Shelley the Cat (slacker pop), a new Wylie Something
album, and a number of other wild things. So LIPS
Records is starting to really do some work as a
legitimate label and Local Onlys is starting to take off in
Philadelphia. Were gonna keep it fun and light, just
releasing stuff WE like.
JACOB SMOLINSKI

WILLIAM LASHOMB
9

RITUAL WALK
JANUARY 2013
Ritual Walk dropped off the radar and unofficially
disbanded with plans of eventually doing a farewell
show. Im doing a new acoustic project called Yellow
Sauce and working with some guys on a blues-hard
rock project that should debut in 2015.
LELAN ALLEN

CRASHFUSE
JANUARY 2013
Were currently writing and will be back in the studio
in late January to record our sophomore release. We
are preparing for a run of spring and summer shows.

EMILE HAWTHORNE
MAY 2013
Im playing guitar with Humble Braggers, writing and recording
in Hokan & Friends of the Sun, and putting together a project
that requires band members. Im [want to] start a label or
record store within the next five years or so, and its mission
will be grounded in sustainable and responsible resource use.

A FAILED APOLOGY
SEPTEMBER 2013
We released our second EP, This Past Year, in October and its
been well received. We played our first basement show and a
show at the Studio. Were starting to write new music. Ill be
taking some time off shows, but the rest of these jabronies will
likely still play a shows with a replacement guitarist.

CHAD HORNBERGER

BRYAN ZELLS

KEVIN SMEADER

IF SO MUCH AS ONE PERSON

THE CANT
NOVEMBER 2012
The Cant is defunct. Ive finished most of the writing
for a record Im working on. I want to track it and
make the best I possibly can.

LIKES OUR ALBUM, THEN

EVERYTHING WILL HAVE

ANTHONY WACHOWIAK

BEEN WORTH IT.

THE ODD TIMES

OCTOBER 2013
Weve been signed and the label got our song on
Sirius XM which was pretty cool, but lately Ive been
focusing on building my media company.

WILLIAM LASHOMB SWEET APOLLO OCTOBER 2012

BRECKENWOOD
JUNE 2013
Garrett is doing vocals and keys, Cam and I are
doing the same thing, and we have Stephen Adolf
on lead and Tony Knox on rhythm guitar. We finished
recording our EP and its on Amazon, iTunes, and
Soundcloud. Were going on tour next month with
Time & Distance. Were also headlining the Forvm
Stage at Burtfest and then going on tour again. We
really plan on pushing the new EP as hard as we
can, and hopefully we can get a booking agent and
a labels attention.

RUDY SCHIEDER

HOLKAMPANY
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013
The release show for our second album Juvenile
Gentlemen was our biggest audience ever. Our
drummer departed, and John Vaughan and I have
gone off to school where weve played shows as a
duo. We are still looking for a new drummer to get
the band in full swing again.
JORIAN HOLKA

WILL FOLCKEMER

GO EXPLORING
SEPTEMBER 2013
I am working on Go Exploring and a few side projects.
Im trying to start a band so I can expand. I moved
to LA and am now working for a production company
and composing for TV shows, and Ive been working
with a record label based out of Australia that Ill
release some stuff on as soon as I can.

I WANT TO DO FOR SOME

KID WHAT THE BANDS
I LISTEN TO DID FOR ME.
SEAN MORAN MELLONCORE AUGUST 2013

MATT SCIEME

GOD, THIS IS AWESOME.

MIKE SOBIERAJ BRING ME YOUR VULTURES JANUARY 2014

2012

SWEET APOLLO
OCTOBER 2012

BEN ALESSI
NOVEMBER 2012

THE BREATHING TREE

DECEMBER 2012

THE CASCOS
OCTOBER 2012

THE CANT
NOVEMBER 2012

DANIEL ROBINSON
DECEMBER 2012

10

THE BREATHING TREE

DECEMBER 2012
The last time we were together as a group was on
stage for our reunion show in the early summer. That
to us was the last push we had left, something
that felt right in a good way to put it to rest. There
were so many factors that led to the eventual
mutual decision of disbanding, but something
very good was born out of the ashes of the
Breathing Tree: Wild Things, a project that Ive
always wanted to be a part of and am just now
seeing come to light.
NICHOLAS WILLIAM

JUSTIN SHUTTLEWORTH
JULY 2013
Ive been playing out in NYC mostly and I just
released my new single Shes Alright. Its free
on SoundCloud.

THE CREATOR, THE ARCHITECT

JUNE 2013
We are buckling down and taking the writing
portion seriously as to not let shows and
preparation get in the way.

JUSTIN SHUTTLEWORTH

JOE MAC

2013

CURRENTS
JANUARY 2013

THE TRADITIONAL
FEBRUARY 2013

HEARTS LIKE RIOTS

MARCH 2013

THE ODD TIMES

APRIL 2013

EMILE HAWTHORNE
MAY 2013

RITUAL WALK
JANUARY 2013

FIASCO JONES
FEBRUARY 2013

HOKAN & FRIENDS

OF THE SUN
MARCH 2013

CRASHFUSE
APRIL 2013

CEDAR KITES
MAY 2013

11

WHETHER ITS TO MOBILIZE

PEOPLE TO TAKE TO THE
STREETS OR TO JUST FEEL A

SAVANNAH KING / SAVANNAH AND THE KINGS

SEPTEMBER 2013
Ive had some changes with a brand new band: myself on vocals
and acoustic, Loren Metzger on drums, Scott Gergelis on upright
bass, and Mark Bamann on electric. Were Savannah and the
Kings. Were in the studio recording our first full band record,
my fourth release. Ive also been touring with 10,000 Maniacs!

DAN AND LEANNE /

RUSTIC RADIO
JANUARY 2014
We just finished our first EP.
Its in the mixing and mastering phase, aiming for a Spring
release. Were playing at a
couple shows in early 2015.

SAVANNAH KING

RUSTIC RADIO

SENSE OF LOVE OR BEAUTY,

I WANT TO DO ALL THOSE
THINGS WITH MY MUSIC.

WORLD OF NOISE RECORDING STUDIO

AUGUST 2013
Things are going very well right now. Lots of new clients, a
few of the acts are getting signed, and Im working with a
major label artist right now. I think I have a lot more to look
forward to in the future!
NICK BORGOSZ

BRYAN ZELLS EMILE HAWTHORNE MAY 2013

THE TRADITIONAL
FEBRUARY 2013
We spent a ton of time the road, wrote and recorded
a new record, signed a deal with Anchor Eighty
Four Records, and have been constantly focusing
on touring and writing. Our record, How To Live
Without Blood, comes out on January 13. Cant wait
for everyone to hear the new stuff! Shows have been
great. Weve spent a lot of time on the road these
past two years and they just keep getting better and
better. We put together video series, Traditional
Tuesdays, with New Noise Magazine. Each week
a different member of the band said a few words
about the record, life on the road, and being in this
band, and we coupled it with some live shots and
tour footage for promotion of the new record. Its
been cool to see reactions to it. We are playing a
show January 24 at the Studio at Waiting Room to
release the record.

HUMBLE BRAGGERS
JULY 2013
We finalized our live lineup with Bryan and Jake and
started playing shows in Buffalo, Erie, and Rochester.
We also released our second EP, Say. In 2015 well
be releasing a 5-song EP with our best songs to date,
and youll be seeing some merchandise available at
our upcoming shows. Weve been fortunate to have
met creative and talented musicians in the past year
that well hopefully collaborate with in 2015.
TOM BURTLESS

SORRY! /
SAVING CAROLINA
JANUARY 2014
Weve completey revamped the band, changing the
name to Saving Carolina. We play southern rock and
are going to Nashville to record our next songs
and try to get signed.

ANTHONY MUSIOR

ANDREW GROVES

WOLF
JANUARY 2014
I now have a bass player and
a drummer. Were releasing
a single in, hopefully with a
video, and an EP in March.

HOKAN & FRIENDS OF THE SUN

MARCH 2013
I was cast in a reality TV show, and my segment will focus on
Buffalo and the struggles and process of being a local musician.
A new manager affiliated with the network is putting us down
to Miami to record a full length to be distributed nationwide.

CHELSEA ODONNELL

HOKAN CROMWELL

BRECKENWOOD
JUNE 2013

VENONA
JUNE 2013

DARLING HARBOR
JULY 2013

HUMBLE BRAGGERS
JULY 2013

THE CREATOR,
THE ARCHITECT
JUNE 2013

WORLD OF NOISE
RECORDING STUDIO
AUGUST 2013

JUSTIN
SHUTTLEWORTH
JULY 2013

MELLONCORE
AUGUST 2013

12

WORLD OF NOISE
AUGUST 2013

SAVANNAH KING,
HONEY SPINE
JEN PALMER,
SEPTEMBER 2013
ERIN SYDNEY WALSH
SEPTEMBER 2013
GO EXPLORING
SEPTEMBER 2013
A FAILED APOLOGY
HOLKAMPANY
SEPTEMBER 2013
NOVEMBER /
DECEMBER 2013

MOOSES
JANUARY 2014
We released an album and got great recognition from Buffablog
and other sites, and weve been enjoying the comfort of Fredonia
basements and bars. Weve been fooling around with different
writing and recording approaches to create our first full-length,
which were hoping will be a lot less poppy but still accessible
to people. Were ready to get releases to the public by summer.

WE TRY TO COME OUT

SWINGING.
RYAN BENNETT THE TRADITIONAL FEBRUARY 2013

PETER CAHLSTADT

2014

SHELTERED BY SKIES
JANUARY 2014

MOOSES
JANUARY 2014

BRING ME YOUR
VULTURES
JANUARY 2014

LIKE A PARROT
JANUARY 2014
SORRY
JANUARY 2014

13

EVERYBODY LIKES TO BE A
PART OF THINGS THAT ARE
BIGGER THAN THEMSELVES.
JARED MATESIC THE BREATHING TREE DECEMBER 2012

82 BANDS
36 INTERVIEWS
16 ALBUM REVIEWS
13 SPECIAL FEATURES
12 WRITERS
1 DESIGNER
1 CITY

14

JANUARY 2015

15

CRAZIES
JIMMY SKRZECZKOWSKI SINGS VOCALS
JORDAN KUCHARSKI PLAYS GUITAR
DAN BONASERA PLAYS BASS
WILL PIHL PLAYS DRUMS

FROM FREDONIA, NY

PLAY HARDCORE / PUNK

Crazies started in 2010 when Skrzeczkowski and

Kucharski began jamming Misfits covers together. The
band endured multiple lineup changes in its infant stage.
Crazies became fully fleshed out in the winter of 2012
with the addition of Pihl on drums. Since, the band has
steadily developed its catchy brand of hardcore-punk
and an intense stage show. After a short hiatus in 2013,
the band came back with a vengeance and has been
working hard to establish a local and regional fan base.
Crazies released the Batcave EP in April 2014 and is now
in the process of recording a six-song EP, the Splatterpunk
EP, due out in early 2015. Combining the intensity of hardcore punk and thrash with the melodic, catchy nature and
horror-based lyrics of horror punk, Crazies are striving
to bring something new and unique to the table.

PORT KOHLER
ANDREW PHILLIPS PLAYS GUITAR, PLAYS BASS,
SINGS VOCALS
CHRIS MCALLISTER PLAYS DRUMS, SINGS VOCALS
FRANK MISKULY PLAYS BASS

FROM HAMBURG, NY

PLAY FOLK ROCK / ALTERNATIVE

ONLINE AT SOUNDCLOUD.COM/CHRISFROMPORTKOHLER

Port Kohler is a trio from the Buffalo Southtowns combining the musical talents of Andrew Phillips (lead
guitarist and vocalist), Chris McAllister (percussionist
and backup vocalist), and Frank Miskuly (bassist). With
influences from City and Colour to the Doobie Brothers
to Paul Desmond, the group creates a relaxed groove
but maintains a slight edginess. All talents culminated
to the making of the first released single, Roots, which
combines a light atmosphere with a sweet guitar melody
to begin, but builds into a rather strong statement
towards its close. The lyrics allude to a lost soul in a
crowded place. The group looks forward to the release
of its next two singles, Antique and The Great American
Poet, which will be staples on their first offical LP early
this summer.

ONLINE AT FACEBOOK.COM/CRAZIESOFFICIAL

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRISTINE FURSY

16

PHOTOGRAPH BY ANDREW PHILLIPS

17

SCENERY WITH
SOLACE
ANTHONY GRANATA SINGS VOCALS
JOSH RAMEN PLAYS GUITAR
ALEX MISKELL PLAYS GUITAR
TREVOR ELMORE PLAYS BASS, SINGS VOCALS,
DOES PROGRAMMING
DYLAN ROCHE PLAYS DRUMS

FROM BUFFALO, NY

PLAY METALCORE

ONLINE AT FACEBOOK.COM/SCENERYWITHSOLACE

PHOTOGRAPH BY MITCH RITER

18

Scenery With Solace was formed in early 2011 by high

school friends who shared a passion for heavy music.
Over the first two years, the band built a following by
releasing singles and opening for bands such as Issues,
Sworn In, and Counterparts. The band recorded its debut
EP with Nick Borgosz at World Of Noise and released it
in September 2014. Known for music that is technical
while still remaining heavy, SWS plans on expanding
upon its sound and adding in more aspects that will set
it apart. SWS is keeping busy writing material for a fulllength release and working on a new and improved live
set for 2015. The EP Human Ignorance is available now
on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play.

HUMAN IGNORANCE
AVAILABLE NOW
ON ITUNES, SPOTIFY,
AND GOOGLE PLAY.

ALBERT THE
FISH
HELEN LOWRY SINGS VOCALS
JABARI NOEL PLAYS GUITAR
JESS LABELLA PLAYS BASS
RILEY VOIGT PLAYS DRUMS

FROM FREDONIA, NY

PLAY ALTERNATIVE ROCK

Albert the Fish: a talented group of college students

ready to make its mark on the world. The group was
formed almost three years ago and all of the members
attend Fredonia University. With Jabari Noel as songwriter and guitarist, Jess LaBella on bass, Riley Voigt
on drums and the lovely Helen Lowry as lead vocalist
and songwriter, it has established a unique alternative
rock sound. Although classically trained, Lowrys edgy
alto voice is perfect for the genre and sound of the group.
The name Albert the Fish came to be when Lowry and
Noel owned a fish named Albert, after the serial killer,
Albert Fish, infamous in the early 1900s. Some of the
bands influences include the Red Hot Chili Peppers,
Florence and the Machine, Led Zeppelin, and Blink 182.

ONLINE AT FACEBOOK.COM/ALBERTTHEFISH1

PHOTOGRAPH BY JABARI NOEL

19

YONIC
SEAN PATRICK SINGS VOCALS, PLAYS GUITAR
JOSH RAMEN PLAYS GUITAR
RYAN SCHINDLER PLAYS BASS
BRIAN MCMAHON PLAYS DRUMS
PAUL SOTTNIK PLAYS KEYBOARD

WOLF
Yonic was formed in the backyard of a local Fredonia
venue, the Jungle, in September of 2013. After a year of
playing venues around the Fredonia circuit, Yonic has a
fresh sound with its recent change in members. The
group recently released a single, Listen to Some
Reggae, which is only a small piece of a bigger project,
a full length album that Yonic is in the midst of recording.
Yonic asks that everyone gives its music a chance and
supports local musicians everywhere.

CHELSEA ODONNELL SINGS VOCALS, PLAYS GUITAR

BEN RANDALL PLAYS BASS
BILL OCONNOR PLAYS DRUMS

FROM BUFFALO, NY

FROM FREDONIA, NY

PLAY ALTERNATIVE ROCK / POP

PLAY PSYCHADELIC BLUES, REGGAE, FUNK

ONLINE AT FACEBOOK.COM/MUSICBYWOLF

ONLINE AT FACEBOOK.COM/FREEYONIC

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC KEARNEY

20

Wolf began as the solo project of Chelsea ODonnell,

a singer/songwriter based out of Buffalo. During her time
as an acoustic solo act, ODonnell recorded her first EP,
Gold & Dirt, at GCR Audio as well as played at various
open mic nights and such venues as Nietzsches, the
Gypsy Parlor, Spot Coffee and PeopleArt. In the spring
of 2014, Bill OConnor (drums) and Ben Randall (bass)
joined ODonnell to form a band and fill out the sound
of the Wolf repertoire. They are both a part of two other
bands in the local scene: Supergoner and the Etchings,
respectively. Since forming the band, Wolf has played
at Buffalo Iron Works, Mohawk Place, Babeville and
Mr. Goodbar, both in headlining slots and opening for
local or touring bands. In October of 2014, Wolf began
working with Brandon Schlia (Steak & Cake Records)
on an EP that will be released in March of 2015. The
first single, Infectious, comes out on January 15 via
Steak and Cake Records Bandcamp.

PHOTOGRAPH BY PAT DEPUY

21

YESTERDAY VS.
TOMORROW

PATRICK
JAOUEN
FROM ROCHESTER, NY

JESSE KAUFMAN SINGS VOCALS, PLAYS GUITAR

PLAYS SYNTHS
JOSHUA KELLER PLAYS GUITAR
KEVIN STUITJE PLAYS BASS
PRESTON COFTA PLAYS DRUMS

FROM BUFFALO, NY

Yesterday Vs. Tomorrow is a project of exploration. Sense

of discovery is at the root of each song, many songs
beginning and ending with a What does this button do?
or a What would it sound like on this instrument? YVTs
most recent material, the upcoming double album, Aurora
Borealis, captures this spirit most thoroughly, defining
the bands most adventurous work yet. Aurora Borealis
was released completely independent August 12, 2014.

IS A SINGER / SONGWRITER

ONLINE AT FACEBOOK.COM/PATRICKJAOUENMUSIC

Patrick Jaouen is a BMI Recording Artist and Associate

Recording Academy Member, as well as an accomplished
singer/songwriter. He has released two internationally
distributed EPs, several published books, and a portfolio
of video production projects including the acclaimed
live music series From the Underground, where he
held the role as Executive Producer for the entire first
season. In addition to a being a creative, his musical
endeavours are philanthropic, as he donates 100% of
the profits from his original music to various charity
organizations. In addition to recorded material he has
completed well over a thousand live performances in
some of the most infamous venues in the United States.

PLAY INDIE / ROCK

ONLINE AT FACEBOOK.COM/YESTERDAYVS.TOMORROW

PHOTOGRAPH BY LEE HOFFMAN

22

PHOTOGRAPH BY DOUGLAS SZCZESNY

23

WITH L IFE
COMES DEATH
Jeff Rogan: vocals, keyboard | Nick Ellis: guitar, vocals
Will Leach: guitar | Robert Michaels: bass | Jon Kozlowski: drums

I SAT DOWN WITH THE GENTLEMAN OVER SOME DRINKS TO GET A

LITTLE BIT OF THE STORY BEHIND THE BAND.

FIRST OFF, WHAT ARE WE DRINKING TONIGHT?

JEFF ROGAN: Cherry vodka and Coke.
NICK ELLIS: Blue.
ROBERT MICHAELS: Redbull and grape vodka

Interview by Cory Coleman

WILL LEACH: Great Lakes Edmurd Fitzgerald. Coinciden-

tally, also what Im wearing.

JON KOZLOWSKI: Nothing, Im broke.

HOW WAS 2013 FOR THE BAND?

JK: Weve grown much closer as a band.
JR: We have a fuller sound, our mentality of what we

SECOND CHANCES SOMETIMES COME. Back in 2009, WITH

LIFE COMES DEATH was attempting to burst onto the local music scene
with its synth-soaked female-fronted sound, but found themselves not
gaining the fanbase they should have coming out of the gate.
WE STARTED WITH THE ORIGINAL SOUND, BUT THE FIRST VOCALIST WANTED
THINGS TO SOUND WAY DIFFERENT THAN WHAT THE REMAINDER OF THE
BAND ENVISIONED, SAID VOCALIST JEFF ROGAN.

This interview was conducted in

January of 2013. Since, With Life
Comes Death has unfortunately
disbanded. We decided to publish
the article in fond memory.

24

A few vocalist changes later, the three original members (Rogan, bassist
Robert Michaels, and drummer Jon Kozlowski) decided to go in a different
direction with Rogan as a frontman, an a new era was be born. Simultaneously,
former guitarist Nick Ellis departed from Deliver The Fallout to rejoin WLCD.
THIS WAS BETTER IN A LOT OF WAYS THAN MY PREVIOUS PROJECTS, WITH
MORE TIME AND DEDICATION BEING PUT IN, HE RECALLED.

The four of them were joined by additional guitarist Will Leach as they
marked a new path in the scene.
THE NEW MEMBERS HAVE HELPED PUSH US ALL AS INDIVIDUALS TO PROGRESS
AND GROW WITH OUR RESPECTIVE INSTRUMENTS, PROCLAIMED MICHAELS.

wanted to become has changed, and our devotion

increased exponentially.
RM: We started to record our full-length album, as
well as branched out to play shows in Rochester.
NE: We had two of our singles play on Underground
with Steve K on 103.3 the Edge.
THE SONG YOU JUST RECENTLY RELEASED,
CROSSROADS, FEATURES TONY AVINO FROM THE
CREATOR, THE ARCHITECT, WHO ALSO HAVE A
SINGLE CROSSROADS COMING OUT SOON.
WL: Its actually part of a grand conspiracy. Stay tuned
for details.
JK: No, it was really just an awesome coincidence.
JR: Great minds think alike.
NE: Actually, we originally wanted to name it
Purgatory. We had a show a while back with Aria and
they just released a single with that title. So another
brainstorming session gave us the title of Crossroads,
a song that symbolized being stuck in life and trying
to not knowing which direction to go in, which is our
thought on purgatory.
IF YOU GUYS HAD TO COME UP WITH PORN STAR
NAMES, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
WL: Im Asian, so Ill go with Wang Hung Lo.
RM: Bear Naked.
NE: Ill be sophisticated. Arthur P. Harrington.
JK: Cinnamon Bunz.
JR: Escape The Date.
THE UPCOMING RELEASE FROM WLCD IS A SECOND
CHANCE. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU GUYS?
WL: It signifies a second chance at making a mark on
this scene, this time in a different style than what Ive
grown used to.
RM: I feel our band was sort of reborn when Nick
came back. It gave us another chance to do what we
always wanted to do.

NE: Exactly what it sounds like, this band finally getting

a second chance to make a mark.
JK: I felt a lot of people doubted us over this years and
I think everyone deserves a second chance. This is our
new opportunity to show the city what we have to offer.
WHAT ACTS IN TOWN HAVE YOU BEEN DIGGING LATELY?
NE: Sheltered By Skies, Scenery With Solace.
JR: No Promises, No Regrets.
WL: A Breath Alive.
RM: The Creator, The Architect.
JK: My Girl, Chernobyl.
WHAT ARE YOUR OPINIONS OF THE LACK OF VENUES
IN THE TOWN NOW?
WL: Im sad to see a lot of the local venues close down.
It definitely makes it tough to get exposure, but I see
it as motivation to branch out to other cities.
JR: Companies should take notice and see that the
talent in this town is worth investing in.
NE: It think its unfortunate. Some of the venues we
have expect a great deal of profit out of even brand
new bands in a city whose fanbase sometimes cant
even afford the tickets to these shows. In my eyes, we
need a few more venues that have open door policies
as to who can organize a show there.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE RECENT CLAIMS THAT
THE SCENE IS RATHER DIVIDED?
JK: I think a lot of bands dont get anywhere near
enough credit for all the hard work they put in.
JR: I dont agree that its divided, I believe that we
need to come together as a city and support one
another. Our city is fading on the map and the music
here is great, in all genres.
RM: Sometimes a genres fanbase will only support
that fanbase and nothing else, which is disappointing.
NE: There are a number of divisions in the scene, with
bands and fans poking at each other and bashing styles,
but thats a matter of preference and not the scene
having cracks, in my opinion. Every family has its
problems. You can really only hope that they all come
together in the end. There will always be a few haters,
but as long as we get through that and keep working, we
can stay on the right track to making Buffalos scene
what it once was. I love my scene and my music family.

25

ARIA

CRASHFUSE

Bianca Dyrland
vocals
Ryan Ankenbauer
guitar
Anthony Todorov
bass
John Runkle
drums

Chad Hornberger
vocals, guitar
Colin Eberhardt
drums
Nick Wnuk
bass
/CrashFuse

/ariarock

Abandon - EP
1. Black Hole / 2. On My
Own / 3. The Gambler / 4.
You Dug Your Own Grave,
Now Lie In It / 5. Somethings
Gotta Give

For not being a huge fan of girl-fronted bands, I was

hesitant to give Abandon a listen, but people said it was
really good, so I said, what the hell, YOLO, and gave it a
shot. It might just be my habit of grouping all girl bands with
more popular bands in the genre, but Aria reminds me of a
kind of a newer and little heavier version of Evanescence
or an early Paramore. The vocals are loud and powerful,
reminiscent of Amy Lees, and musically, they have a
melodic hardcore/rock vibe. A lot of the melodies have
me tapping my foot because theyre catchy, and who
doesnt love catchy music? Nobody.
My favorite track off the EP is the second one, On My
Own. Its got an almost-punk vibe and beat to it. Being a
huge fan of pop punk and punk, this song caught my ear
right away.
The Gambler is a slower track with a looming piano and
electronic beat. I like this song until the random dub step
bass drops come in. It doesnt fit into the song to me at
all. The song is about a guy that the vocalist has trouble
forgetting because he wronged her, and then out of nowhere, the bass drops. I dont understand that part, but
other than that, its a good song.

26

You Dug Your Own Grave starts with a nice heavy beat
with some violins that would make any headbanger go nuts.
The verses of the song have an acoustic guitar under the
drums and vocals, adding a nice little touch. Its an angry
song. Lyrics like, you said youd die for me, well then die,
and, watch me take whats mine and Ill watch you cry like a
bitch, is enough to fuel any person to tell off someone who
screwed them over big time.
The opening riff on the closing track, Somethings Gotta
Give is a pretty one that sets the tone for the song, a fast,
catchy rock song like the rest of the album. Dyrland really
lets it all go and her voice shines during the chorus, hitting
highs and lows throughout the song.
This band blends multiple elements from other genres and
makes this EP something to enjoy. Thats the best thing
about taking chances (especially in music); you could fall in
love with a band youve never heard of. I think this EP will
find a place in my iTunes for a while.

Review by Colton Krzanowicz

Between You, Me,

and the Lamppost
1. Out of Lives / 2. Sweet
Routine / 3. Just a Little / 4.
Crossroads / 5. Watch Me
Fall / 6. Oh, Apologies / 7.
Interlude / 8. Friends / 9.
The Girl / 10. Fall on Your
Feet / 11. Tuition (Am I
Letting Go?) / 11. Waiting

Upon hearing CrashFuses first full LP, Between You, Me,

and the Lamppost, there was just one thought I couldnt
shake from my mind: These guys are gunning for the number one band in Buffalo. The reason their sound is so great
and why theyre gaining a lot of traction in the Buffalo Scene
is: These guys are not out to try and deliver a new angle
on rock n roll. They are sticking with good, honest pop-rock
and staying true to their guns.

Track 6, Oh, Apologies is really the most diverse song on

the LP. In an album of four-minute power pop songs, theres
a six-and-a-half-minute Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dream
Pop song sticking in the middle. I honestly felt a little tired
after listening to it. Still, its a very well composed song, and
probably contains the most emotion on the CD. Imagine a
warm summer night separated from the person you love.

Out of Lives, the albums opening track, starts off the party
with a bang. Catchy vocal melodies infect the already bright,
clean guitars and suggest a carefree, simple, and sunny
summer day. With a sound that is a clear throwback to the
early days of the 2000s (OneRepublic, Maroon 5), it is a
clear setup for the pace of the rest of the album. Oh yeah,
and what song is complete without a saxophone solo?

Track 7, Interlude, really shouldve been left off. All filler,

no killer. Remember, instrumentals dont sell!

Track 2, Sweet Routine, opens with a guitar lick that would

make Dan Auerbach and the Black Keys foam at the mouth.
Its a slow blues shuffle turned power pop single, in a style
that Im sure only Chad Hornberger and Co. can pull off.

Arguably the most infectious, catchiest chorus of the CD

belongs to track 9 The Girl. An angsty song about boy
meets girl. Time tested classic.

Honestly, the next song, titled Just a Little wouldve made

an outstanding opener. With a vibe that hearkens back to
the early days of Maroon 5, this has to be the best song Ive
ever heard come out of the 716. With a pace like a Ferrari
and a chorus as catchy as the Black Plague (in a good way)
prepare to have it stuck in your head for weeks.
I wish the same could be said for the next track, Crossroads,
but something about it makes it fall just short of its potential. It starts with a good coffee house-esque acoustic guitar
riff, but the verse vocals are so laden with echo effect that
it makes you cringe. The chorus is good, but not good enough
to make up for the verse. The same complaints can be made
regarding Track 5, Watch Me Fall, except its the chorus
that is problem. In my opinion, it sounded a little too much
like its predecessors. It probably couldve been left off the
album and no listeners feelings wouldve been hurt.

The band bounces back very well, though, with the next
song, Friends. Super upbeat, and follows the classic loudquiet-loud format that never fails to deliver. It also asks the
perpetual question Buffalo, why cant you just be warmer?

The next two songs, Fall on your Feet and Tuition (Am I
Letting Go) shouldve been left off the CD. The first song
is only explainable by saying swing beat gone wrong,
and is a living testament to the fact that you cant have a
pop swing song. And for Tuition, I cant believe this has
to be said, but acoustic rap? Not a good combo, ever.
The debut CD ends with a personal favorite, Waiting.
Much like the other power pop anthems, its loaded with
fist-pumping choruses and hook-driven guitars, a must
have for anyones collection this summer. Its a great way
to end the album, just as this CD is a great way to kick off
your spring! I highly recommend a copy; you can pick it up
at any one of their shows, or at your local Record Theatre.
(Support your local record stores.)

Review by Mike Thomas

27

JACOB PETER
Jacob Peter
/JacobPeterMusic

Wind Song - EP
1. Stella / 2. Waiting / 3.
Burned By Love / 4. The
Line Between Us and Being
/ 5. Wind Song (Part 1) / 6.
Wind Song (Part 2)

The Wind Song EP by Jacob Peter is a airy piece of music,

the kind you listen through low-quality earbuds, walking
home from work on a calm day, taking your time admiring
scenery, admiring the basic shapes of cars passing, admiring
the soft vocals of Peter. Stopping at a street and subtly
tapping your foot to the sparse, tastefully twangy guitar
riffs. If theres really such a thing as comfort food, then I
would describe this as comfort music. Youve experienced
this before, but its still something that can be appreciated.
Simple guitar licks and catchy basslines help showcase Peters
intimate voice. Brief moments of psychedelia break up the
country-inspired guitar and banjo combination. Peter has
no desire to fit into a single genre. I definitely get a stream
of conscious vibe from both the music and the songwriting.
For the most part, the acoustic guitar shines, but he isnt
afraid to play with noise. The first track has a really nice
rumble on it, but unfortunately its a little bit of a tease
compared to the rest of the EP. I feel like he made the
stylistic decision to hold back on the louder parts of the
tracks, but with a more noticeable tenacity I would be
more inclined to relate to the emotions expressed by his
more than capable voice and laid back guitar riffs.
This is a very minimalist rock record. A vocal melody paired
with an acoustic guitar. A bassline that doesnt do anything
but bounce. An outro that slowly builds into nothing. But
at the same time, hell have perfectly placed vocal harmonies
and crashes from the drums, which are just loud enough that
to know theyre there. That being said, this style of songwriting can lead to sections that drag a little bit. Some parts
of Wind Song may be hard to get through when you first hear
the record. Even though not all of it is completely satisfying,
there still are some moments that are simply gorgeous.

28

The standout track is The Line Between Us and Being. It

reminds me of a Sufjan Stevens song; the way that his singing
drives the track is very impressive. Its one of the noisier
tracks on the album, but I feel this is a track that could be
extended further into something even more beautiful. Its
great and worth checking out. Wind Song (Part 1) is another track that I think could use more work, although this
one isnt as strong. It still has the barebones of a great track,
but it just doesnt seem to flow well.
Wind Song (Part 2) on the other hand is a very nice little
tune. The fingerpicking is very enjoyable and I hear a little
bit of a Grizzly Bear influence in the way that the voice and
guitar are working together. Burned By Love is the ballad
of the record; it has upbeat guitar riffs with the closest
Peter gets to a pop hook. The first half of the EP feels a
little more upbeat. Waiting features a guitar solo, and as
someone who isnt a huge fan of solos, its actually really
good addition. Stella opens the EP and does its job. Even
though Im not entirely sure how I feel about the keys on
the track, the heavy bass makes it an enjoyable listen.
Peter is obviously a very talented dude. His falsettos and
harmonies alone make this worth checking out, especially
if youre into folk with a more modern twist. I think the
arrangements are the best part of this record; the EP
manages to be catchy while not being obviously catchy. The
words are just interesting enough to deserve to be there,
but I dont think theyre necessarily going to grab anyones
attention. However, thats ok because this EP isnt about
that. This EP is about emotions that are just outside the
need for words. The album feels like cheap beer in the
summertime or a walk home from work, nothing to do but
relax and tap your foot.

Review by Michael Luccari

ELLSWORTH
Luke Wheeler
vocals, guitar
James DeAvila
guitar
Tom Mellen
bass
Nick Benstead
drums, vocals
/EllsworthBand

Ellsworth - EP
1. Lisa / 2. Mutuality / 3.
Wait For It / 4. She Fell

Two weeks ago, Ellsworth shared with us their roaring emorevivalist thriller, Lisa, and last week it showed us that
Ellsworth has a little bit more up its sleeve than power pop.
Ellsworths debut EP touches on all of the tricks of 90s alt
rock, but brings a more intelligent angle to the whole thing,
sort of the IDM to 21st century emo rock. With well-versed
lines like, so at least now I can try to achieve all of the
things you said that I couldnt do and wish that we were
dancing in our own pas de deux, Ellsworth prove theyre
a little ahead of the rest of the scene. Its songs are honest
and transparent and arent afraid to sink into desperation
or hopelessness, and whats better is that its not afraid to
let you in on it. Lines like, Father didnt ignore me, speak
to a now-grown-up generation with good upbringings that
somehow were still left dissatisfied. Maybe that means its
just in our blood. Tackling themes of loneliness and discontent arent easily done on break-up albums, but some how

they pull it off. However, what truly sets Ellsworth apart is

its genre bending ambodexterity. From Lisa, Wheeler
and Co. tap on post-punk monotone, Weezer-sparked alt
rock, and end with a bang on one final punk rollercoaster
of a track. She Fells up and down matches its heavy
lyrical content perfectly. Through all of it, Ellsworth skips
through these genres with ease and coherence, a talent that
many bands are still working on. It all fits together perfectly.
The best is still yet to come from Ellsworth, and if its debut EP tells us anything, its a sign that Buffalo emo is
changing. Ellsworth is a breath of fresh air in a genre that
has become so stale. Whatever they tell you, this is a revival.
And Ellsworth is a new leader of it.

Review by Jesse Kaufman

29

YESTERDAY VS.

TOUGH OLD

TOMORROW

BIRD
Matt Corrigan
guitar
Nate Corrigan
vocals, harmonica

Jesse Kaufman
vocals, synths
Joshua Keller
guitar
Preston Cofta
bass
Kevin Stuitje
drums
/YesterdayVs.Tomorrow

Aurora Borealis
1. Astronomy / 2. Local
Millionaires / 3. Just Wait...
/ 4. Coffee Shop Theme
Song / 5. You Look Like
Sunshine / 6. [Sprawl Song
Singalong] / 7. Mark Rothko
/ 8. Noise, Color, Excess / 9.
Goodbye, Goodnight / 10.
Northern Lights / 11. Pt. ii /
12. Grey / 13. Renaissance
Man / 14. Steampunk Hero
/ 15. Dawn / 16. Meri Atma
Apa Ki Jarurata Hai (My
Soul Needs You) / 17. A
Song For All My Friends

30

/tougholdbird

Yesterday Vs. Tomorrows latest album Aurora Borealis is a

masterful blend of raw emotional melodies and mellowed
technical control. It begins with a song titled Astronomy,
which foreshadows the remainder of the album. The introduction is an example, with its spoken word and ambient
noise, of whats to come on the rest of the LP. The song
itself transitions from a single guitar and a vocal track then
into a much harder full band chorus with a much more aggressive drive. While this is definitely an overview of whats
to come, there are much stronger tracks on the album that
couldve gotten the album off on the right foot.
The second song Local Millionaires starts off with a guitar
lick that reminds me of a mix of surf music and the Cars,
familiar in a good way. I can imagine singing along to this
song while driving to the beach with this song cranked up
to ten on a hot summer day with the windows rolled down.
Just Wait diverges from the first two songs in that it is
an acoustic and vocal track all the way through. Its rawness
is a welcome break from the overly produced music that is

prevalent these days. The lead singers voice is slightly off

key in some parts of the track, but its lack of technical polish
gives way to an emotional frailty that makes it human and
honestly a beautiful song.
The LP closes with A Song for All My Friends. This song I
think was a good choice to end the album as it is almost a
farewell song. I can see this song in the closing credits of a
movie where the hero has finally gotten his just reward.
The production value of this double release sounds as if a lot
more money was spent on it than likely was, and I appreciate
the attention to the final mastering. This albums sound is
reminiscent of the Shins Port of Morrow, but with raw acoustic tracks like Coffee Shop Theme Song it also has variety,
drawing to mind Bright Eyes or the Cure. Its catchy vocal
melodies and guitar licks blended with the tight drum and
bass movements make songs like Dawn instant favorites.

Review by Patrick Jaouen

Never to Return
1. Water Drank Down / 2.
Something Up Your Sleeve
/ 3. Never to Return / 4. By
the Morning Sun / 5. The
Ghosts in the River / 6. What
Can I Do Blues / 7. Oh Me,
Oh My / 8. Last Tattered
Page / 9. Goodbye Rag /
10. The Carnival Was
Shutting Down

Let me start out with a disclaimer: I have a real soft spot

for Americana. I dont know if its the road-trip/rural adventure atmosphere it connotes, the simplicity of it, or just that
I love a good harmonica solo, but I just cant keep away
from it. Consequently, this review may be just a little bit
biased, but Ill do my best to be objective.
Never to Return opens with classic Dylan-finger picking,
slide guitar, and manic harmonica (can harmonicas be
manic?) on the perfect opener, Water Drank Down. Things
slow down and slip a bit into normalcy on Something Up
Your Sleeve. Its here that the listener begins to wonder if
the first track was a one off and maybe Tough Old Bird is just
another mundane country-folk act, but the damn harmonica
is back at 1:37, and all those thoughts are forgotten. Im not
sure if harmonica leads can be blistering, but this is definitely
as close as you can get. Never to Return slips back into
your typical Dylanisms but it doesnt feel forced, almost as
if Dylan never strummed a guitar Tough Old Bird would still
have written this song. While many acts get into trouble
on such a close parallel, Tough Old Bird pull it off and really
make it their own.

Were then given our first taste of a muted, distorted electric

guitar. Other than the pristine (almost too pristine) production, By the Morning Sun is the only element reminding
us that were in a digital world; its not the strongest track
on the LP, but it certainly is one of the most important tracks.
Another track of such nature, What Can I Do Blues, shows
us that the Corrigan brothers own albums by more than
one artist. Drawing blues influence, the track keeps the
album afloat by providing some sonic variation. TOB truly
shine at album highlight, Last Tattered Page, the moody
and minimal centerpiece. Though likely not on purpose, its
a bit reminiscent of Wilcos One Sunday Morning, in both
mood and musicality. Its definitely an accomplished song,
and it really sets them apart from other roots-revivalists.
Overall, the album is sort of a run-of-the-mill acoustic folk
album from a small town in the endlessly rural Upstate New
York, but it does its job. Simple and straightforward, Tough
Old Bird presents a solid debut LP, paying debts to their
predecessors honorably.

Review by Jesse Kaufman

31

I began this project when I realized there were so many incredibly

talented artists in Buffalos music scene that did not receive the
attention they deserved. After publishing the first issue, I was
overwhelmed at the positive response. I am so thankful to have
had the opportunity to spreak with so many amazing musicians
and professionals, and I cannot express enough gratitude for
every person who has shared a story, participated in a feature,
read an article, or assisted in spreading the word of 716 Local
Music and artists in Buffalo. All who have contributed writing to
this final issue, as well as previous editions, have helped immensely. It is with difficulty that I put this project to rest, but it is with
no regrets. I hope that this publication has had a hand in spreading
some of Buffalos music, and I hope that its notion will continue
in other media to strengthen the music community in WNY.

33

RENAISSANCE
BUFFA LOS NE WES T WEEK LY MUSIC RE VIE W

FACEBOOK.COM /
RENAISSANCEREVIEW

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Magazine design, interviews, and articles

by Alyssa Phillips,

graphic design
ampddesigns.com
facebook.com/ampddesignsny
alphillips92@gmail.com
Abandon review by Colton Krzanowicz
Between You, Me, and the Lamppost
review by Mike Thomas
Wind Song review by Michael Luccari
With Life Comes Death interview by
Cory Coleman
Aurora Borealis review by Patrick Jaouen
Ellsworth and Never to Return reviews,
Wild Things interview by Jesse Kaufman
of Renaissance, Buffalos Newest Weekly
Music Review
facebook.com/renaissancereview
renaissancereview.wordpress.com

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